Gaining an edge: Purdue football vs. Indiana

The Hoosiers usually run the ball to give their receivers a breather. Indiana hasn't cracked the 100-yard rushing mark in three games and its season high against a Big Ten opponent is 159 yards. That came against Northwestern in September. The Boilermakers have allowed an average of 123.5 rushing yards the last two games. Edge: Purdue

PURDUE RUNNING GAME VS. INDIANA RUN DEFENSE

Akeem Shavers and Ralph Bolden have carried the load the last two games, gaining 358 of the team's 418 yards. Purdue has surpassed the 200-yard total against Iowa and Illinois and should approach that mark against a defense that is allowing 5.4 yards per carry during the Big Ten season. Plus, the Boilermakers need to win the time of possession battle. Edge: Purdue

INDIANA PASSING GAME VS. PURDUE PASS DEFENSE

It's no secret the Hoosiers are going to throw it behind Cameron Coffman. It's just a matter of how much and how many weapons the junior college transfer can find. Coffman is completing 61 percent of his passes and six different receivers have 23 or more receptions. Purdue's pressure has increased in recent weeks, but still no interceptions since the Oct. 20 loss at Ohio State. Edge: Indiana

PURDUE PASSING GAME VS. INDIANA PASS DEFENSE

Despite playing on one good knee, quarterback Robert Marve has found a rhythm. He hasn't thrown an interception since his last attempt against Michigan in early October and the offense has fallen in line behind the sixth-year senior. The competition hasn't been as strong in the last two games, but fewer drops and Marve has been sacked just three times in the last two weeks. Iowa and Illinois - the last two opponents - and Indiana are all allowing more than 8.0 yards per attempt. Edge: Purdue

SPECIAL TEAMS

Other than Sam McCartney's missed field goal at Iowa, the Boilermakers have limited their mistakes. The kickoff return game remains a threat and Cody Webster placed five of his eight punts inside the 20-yard line at Illinois. Mitch Ewald should have fond memories of Ross-Ade Stadium. Two years ago, the then-redshirt freshman kicked the game-winning 26-yard field goal to beat Purdue in overtime. Edge: Indiana

The Boilermakers have more to play for, but the Hoosiers would enjoy nothing better than ending the bowl hopes and lifting the Old Oaken Bucket out of Ross-Ade Stadium for the second time in three years. Purdue needed a win last year in Bloomington to become bowl eligible and delivered. It might be difficult for the Boilermakers to get involved in a high-scoring game since it hasn't broken the 30-point in a conference game this season. A strong running game paves the way to another rivalry victory. Purdue 27, Indiana 22

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Gaining an edge: Purdue football vs. Indiana

INDIANA RUNNING GAME VS. PURDUE RUN DEFENSE The Hoosiers usually run the ball to give their receivers a breather. Indiana hasn't cracked the 100-yard rushing mark in three games and its season high